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James Haskell - Source: Photosport -
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Two internationals - All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore and English
flanker James Haskell - have reclaimed spots in the Highlanders
starting line-up for tomorrow's clash with the Reds at
Brisbane.
Hore replaces veteran Jason Rutledge from the team that ran out against the Chiefs last week, while Haskell inherits the No. 7 jersey from Tim Boys.
Lock Josh Bekhuis comes off the bench for Jarrad Hoeata.
In the backs, Mike Delany slots into first-five, while Siale Piutau steps in for injured centre Tamati Ellison and departing Jimmy Cowan replaces Aaron Smith at halfback.
Just two nights after hosted the deciding State of Origin league encounter, Suncorp Stadium will see the home side also trying to continue its bid to defend the Super Rugby title with a fifth successive victory. Their winning streak has carried the Reds into a top-six playoff position afer an injury-plagued start to the season - they're fifth overall and just five competition points behind Australian conference leaders the Brumbies.
But this will be Highlanders' last outing after their loss to the Chiefs saw them slip from post-season contention. They're now seven competition points behind the sixth-placed Crusaders.
The game is schedule to start at 9.30pm (NZ).
Highlanders: 15 - Ben Smith, 14 - Kade Polie, 13 - Siale Piutau, 12 - Phil Burleigh, 11 - Hosea Gear, 10 - Mike Delany, 9 - Jimmy Cowan, 8 - Nasi Manu, 7 - James Haskell, 6 - Adam Thomson, 5 - Nick Crosswell, 4 - Josh Bekhuis, 3 - Maa-afu Fia, 2 - Andrew Hore, 1 - Jamie Mackintosh (c)
Reserves: 22 - Kenny Lynn, 21 - Chris Noakes, 20 - Aaron Smith, 19 - Tim Boys, 18 - Jarrad Hoeata, 17 - Chris King, 16 - Jason Tutledge